Vydra Keen To Prove Prem Credentials

Solomon Ojeagbase

6 months ago

Burnley’s Matej Vydra is eager to make an impact in the Premier League after spending most of the last four years in the Championship.

Having netted 20 goals in English football’s second tier in 2012-13 on loan at Watford from Udinese, Vydra got a taste of the top flight the following season, on loan at West Brom, but scored only three times.

The four seasons after that saw the Czech Republic striker play in the Championship for Watford on loan, Reading on loan from the Hornets, and then Derby in 2016-17 and 2017-18, with him finishing the latter campaign as the division’s top-scorer on 21 goals.

A move to Burnley followed last month and, after waiting for first-team involvement as he built up his fitness, Vydra on Thursday made his Clarets bow and marked it with a goal.

The 26-year-old came off the bench and produced a close-range finish in the Europa League qualifying play-off second leg against Olympiakos at Turf Moor – a 1-1 draw that saw the hosts lose the tie 4-2 on aggregate.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s home clash with Manchester United, Vydra said: “I was injured from last season, I had surgery two-and-a-half months ago and when I came here I spoke with the gaffer (Sean Dyche) and he said he needs players 100 per cent fit.

“I hope I’m there now and I can show my quality. It was nice, I was waiting for my first appearance for Burnley and it finally came. It’s nice to score a goal as well.

“I was fighting for the Premier League for the last four years. It’s hard to be in the Premier League. I’m there now but it’s even harder to stay there.

“Now it’s up to me but also up to the gaffer, for him to give me the chance. I’m excited to be here and I can’t wait for the next game.”

He added: “It’s a big difference between the Championship and the Premier League. I hope I’m ready for that. I’m a more experienced player now.

“If I score 10 goals in the Premier League it would be nice for me. Fingers crossed I can do it.”